‘Mt. Kenya is not yet decided’- Kabogo says after region’s tycoons endorsed Raila
Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo has downplayed the endorsement of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga by Mount Kenya Foundation.
In an interview with a local television, Kabogo said that the vote-rich region is yet to decide on the right presidential candidate for 2022 elections.
According to Kabogo, the whole region was not consulted by the foundation adding that they are still consulting with other leaders in the region to finally support a government that will cater for their needs.
“The foundation has a right to make their own decisions, but the issues come up when they purport to speak on behalf of the entire Mt. Kenya region without consulting anyone, we are still consulting, and we are yet to see what the people of the mountain want as their candidate," Kabogo said.
But he explained that he has no issue whatsoever with Raila or his presidential ambitions.
"I have no problem with Raila’s candidature, he is an enigma. The qualities he possesses can only be found in a few people, however, what is important is not what we perceive people to want. It is what you discuss with them, and they agree. We are yet to see what the real people of the mountain have to say," Kabogo said.
The sentiments by Kabogo come after a Wednesday decision by the Mount Kenya Foundation to officially endorse Raila as its preferred presidential candidate in the upcoming polls.
The club of billionaires from the vote-rich region also promised to support Raila financially.
“We don’t feel safe in the hands of individuals with a history of looting public coffers, land grabbing and perpetuating the displacement of our people,” the group stated in a communiqué read out at the function by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya.
Raila is expected to declare his candidature ahead of 2022 in his much-awaited Azimio La Umoja mega meeting, scheduled for Friday, December 10, 2021.
